Newsprint rewinder

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed for supplying paper to a printing press having a plurality of presses for simultaneously printing a plurality of paper webs and power train means for transmitting power to the presses. The apparatus comprises a plurality of paper roll supports with at least one support including a rotatable shaft, and means for coupling the one roll support rotatable shaft with the power train means to wind paper onto the one roll support from another of the roll supports.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a printing press having a plurality of presses for simultaneously printing a plurality of paper webs and power train means for transmitting power to the presses, apparatus for supplying paper to the presses with said apparatus comprising a plurality of paper roll supports with at least one support including a rotatable shaft, and means for coupling said one roll support rotatable shaft with said power train means for winding paper onto the one roll support from another of the roll supports. 
     
     
       2. Paper supply apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes a pulley secured to said rotatable shaft and an endless belt seated on said pulley. 
     
     
       3. Paper supply apparatus in accordance with claim 2 comprising belt tensioning means for operatively coupling and uncoupling said one roll support rotatable shaft with said power train means. 
     
     
       4. Paper supply apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes a right angle gear box and means for securing said right angle gear box with the power train means. 
     
     
       5. Printing apparatus comprising, in combination, a plurality of printing presses; a plurality of paper roll supports; a motor; a power train coupled with said motor; and means for alternatively coupling said printing presses and one of said paper roll supports with said power train. 
     
     
       6. Printing apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein: said power train includes a rotatable drive shaft;   said one paper roll support includes a rotatable shaft; and   said coupling means includes a right angle gear box connected to said rotatable drive shaft, a pulley secured to said paper roll support rotatable shaft, a belt coupling said pulley with said right angle gear box and means for tensioning said belt.   
     
     
       7. Printing apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said one paper support is driven in a winding direction when said one paper support is coupled to said power train and said one paper roll support is released to rotate in an unwinding direction when said printing presses are coupled to said power train. 
     
     
       8. A method of supplying paper to a plurality of printing presses comprising the steps: pulling paper into each press from one of a plurality of roll supports during operation of said printing presses;   disconnecting at least a first and a second of said plurality of roll supports from its respective printing press;   rolling paper from said second to said first roll support until said second roll support is empty; and   refilling said second roll support with a fresh roll of paper.   
     
     
       9. A method according to claim 8 wherein paper is pulled into said presses by driving said presses with a common drive shaft and paper is rolled from said second to said first roll support by driving a shaft on said first roll support with said common drive shaft.